The latest statistics from the Department for Transport (DfT) show that the number of local bus passenger journeys in England fell 1.4% to 4.38 billion in the year ending March 2018, compared with 2016/17.

So, how does Worcestershire fare in comparison? It looks like we are far, far worse!

Last year bus journey numbers in Worcestershire fell from 12.8 million to 11.3 million, a fall of 11.7%. This, unfortunately, is just following the trend since 2011. In 2010/2011 there were 17.4 million passenger journeys, which means that there has been a fall of 35% from 2010/2011 to 2016/2017. This is a huge amount.

Over this period we have seen massive cuts to the bus subsidies from the county council, we have seen fare increases, we have seen reductions in and the loss of many bus services, including the park and ride in Worcester. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the number of journeys has fallen so far.

So, how are all these people that used to travel by bus getting around the county? They are clearly not all cycling! The answer is, they are driving and creating more congestion in places like Worcester.

Bus journey figures in Worcestershire

Bus journey figures in West Midlands

2 Comments

Neal Murphy
on June 13, 2018 at 5:50 pm

When I visit a city on holiday, perhaps in Europe, I use public transport to get around and this is often on a bus. I don’t imagine this is a viable option for tourists to Worcester where the bus service is unreliable/doesn’t run every day and throughout the day, and is quite expensive.

I think there is also a massive issue of social isolation for those, such as myself, who have no option but to use public transport. I am sight impaired so driving my own car is not an option. Cycling is too dangerous on our roads, taxis are very expensive at a time when money is ever tighter (I know my wages haven’t kept up with inflation or anywhere near it especially with the 1pc cap imposed) – averaging over £2 a mile! We need investment in safe cycling routes, and improvements to public transport, which should be run for the good of the kettle it serves, not the back pocket of those taking out all profit, and at a price that encourages use of such.